Neuropathic pain is described by Dr. Steven Richeimer of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, writing for SpineUniverse, as pain felt throughout the body without signs of recent injury, caused by a glitch in central or peripheral nervous system function. If you've been diagnosed with neuropathic pain, talk to your doctor about possible exercises or treatments available that will help reduce your body's reaction to touch and improve mobility and lifestyle. Exercises for neuropathic pain are determined by its source; visceral, muscular, joint or connective tissues, as well as the skin.
Desensitization
Desensitization exercises may help reduce the reaction of nerves to touch and feel, as is common in those who experience neuropathic pain caused by pressure against the skin, often felt as a tingling or burning sensation. Others feel such pain as an electric-type shock, or as shooting pains that travel along nerve pathways from the point of origin, according to Dr. Richmeimer. Desensitization exercises such as using hot or cold objects as well as massage therapies performed gradually over time may help some patients adjust to various pressure and touch in different areas of the body. Exercises like range-of-motion, strength training and weight bearing exercises such as walking also help retrain the brain to recognize different types of pressure and temperature so that you can deal with things like bedding, clothing and people's touch easier.
Electrical Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, more commonly known as TENS, may help provide relief from pain caused by neuropathic pain by encouraging the body to release endorphins, known as the body's natural pain killers, according to Aetna InteliHealth. The degree of pain relief offered by such therapy often depends on the type and severity of pain experienced by the individual. TENS units may provide different types of electrical stimulation depending on need and symptoms. Talk to your doctor about TENS for potential relief or reduction of neuropathic pain. The TENS unit prompts small, muscular contractions at the site where patches or electrodes are applied, exercising and causing muscles to twitch.
Movement
Patients diagnosed with neuropathic pain are encouraged to move, Dr. Katherine E. Galluzzi suggests in the November 2007 edition of the "Journal of the American Osteopathic Association." Flexion and stretching exercises, especially for those diagnosed with low back pain help maintain mobility and range of motion. Some good examples of flexion exercises for the lower back include pelvic tilts, knee to chest stretches, and the child's pose yoga position, suggests Spine-Dr. com.
References
- SpineUniverse: Understanding Neuropathic Pain
- Aetna InteliHealth: Learn About Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- University of Washington School of Medicine and Public Health: Neuropathic Pain
- "Journal of the American Osteopathic Association"; Managing Neuropathic Pain; Dr. Katherine E. Galluzzi; November 2007
- Spine-dr.com: Exercise Therapy
